Different strokes to different people maybe and trending. Some well-to-do Nigerians, even in the midst of the biting inflation in the land, now take more pleasure in marking and celebrating their special events outside the shores of the land ostensibly to showcase their riches.Of course, evidences abound as their pictures are daily splashed on the social media.
However, former Nollywood actress-turned businesswoman and philanthropist, Gloria Ikhifa-Ukagwu, painted a different picture of what the society should expect from the privileged who have received the blessings of God in form of fame or fortune.
Penultimate Sunday when she rolled out the drums to mark her latest birthday, she never thought about the city of New York, that of London, Dubai or Maldives, as an ideal venue. Nigeria was just okay for her and to cap it all, she preferred to eat, drink and dance with hundreds of the less privileged in the society.
Bewitchingly-beautiful and alluring as ever [even after joining the marital club with fruits of the womb to cap it] Gloria, again, showed why she is one of the few women nay, people that is making the world to look at and respect not only Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
‘’Let me shock you,’’ she began; ‘’we had over 245 children in attendance, 215 of them were the less privileged from different orphanage homes, before the ones from my children’s school, my own and others. We turned the table and had the privileged children serving the less privileged as well as clearing the dishes and tidying up everywhere at the end.’’
Well, it’s not the first time the visibly-humble woman would hobnob with the less privileged. Since she established the foundation, House-of-Love, her generousity has been tremendous.
AUSTIN FAIR-NWAULU cornered her after the shindig for a chat. Excerpts.
Let’s start by wishing you happy birthday once again madam. This year’s edition was very spectacular. Congratulations.
Yes and it was mad fun for me and my ’special guests’ who turned out to be the real celebrants.
This happened despite the massive economic downturn in the country, you must be very comfortable.
It shows how faithful God is, it wasn’t so easy but He saw me through once again.
Why are you so caring and engrossed in the welfare of the have-nots?
I know what it means not to have, I have been there before. I have tasted poverty and so when I see people going through what I went through over 20 years, I am moved to do something. If I can solve all I will but if I can’t, I will always do the much I could.’’
Now, there are just a few people like you that even think about the needy, let alone celebrating with them. Others now take pleasure in flying to New York, Dubai or Maldives to party with their family and close associates.
You are right, some people are selfish, self centered and only believe in their own happiness and not the others. I have traded my happiness several times. My son once said, ‘’mummy, after God, your next priority is in helping others.’’ This is me, I am born to do what I’m doing. I have passion for it.
If I had wanted to travel to any of the above mentioned countries, I could but what would be my gain. I will never be fulfilled. I will never be happy seeing those children [the less privileged] being hungry and unhappy. I am happier when I show love and happiness, and it’s priceless seeing it on their faces.
You must have spent a lot to organize a gathering of such magnitude…
…Actually it was a large gathering and I must thank God for its success. My special guests had three course meal, candy floss, pop corn, bottle water, games, lots of toys to play with and everyone had a party pack even as we still recorded a left-over. It was a bomb, to say the least.
Your foundation, Hands-of-love, has been in the forefront of always providing for the needy over the years. How is it fairing now?
Hands-of-Love, the Foundation, is an NGO. It is young but has done what some others have not done in ten years. It is an NGO centered on helping the needs of the less privileged, especially children. It is also very unique in all spheres. We help and always secure help for others. Yes, the helpless and hopeless, we are perfect in putting smiles on people’s faces – restoring hope and life. We are very visible and regular on the social media.
How has the Hands-of-Love performed this year, vis-à-vis the harsh condition of the economy?
For many, the year 2021 has been a tough one. To us, however, the generous support of our partners, friends and relatives really helped us to fare well if not better than previous years. Sometimes I wish it is possible to solve all the problems that flood our way. All the same, I still believe we can reach more people especially if we have more partners to join in the campaign of putting smiles on people’s faces. We still need increased support from people.
So, how are you rounding off this highly-turbulent year with the Hands-of-Love?
The year is ending very well. We are doing massive giveaways. And we are pleading with tht kind-hearted to help whatever they can, cash, clothes, food items, etc. You can always reach us through our Hands-of-Love media handle.
Can you please refresh the people on your past activities, vis-à-vis reach-outs?
This NGO has done a lot in the past. We have given out 500 school bags to children, cash, books and stationery, sanitary pads to girls, fed people [adults and children] on the streets of Oworonshoki in Lagos as well as catered for the surgeries of indigent people. The list is almost endless and we are poised to do more.
From all indications, the challenges of running an NGO are enormous. Can anyone without the passion do it.
The challenges are too much and they come every day. Sometimes I get emotional and talk to God about my pains when we go on the field because we encounter many helpless, abused and neglected children. Of course there is nobody to ask why except to rescue them even as tasking as they are. Well, I promised myself that I will continue to mend their hearts as much as I could. On the other hand, I don’t think that anybody would set up a foundation for the needy without having a passion for it.
It looks there are more hungry and helpless people on the streets these days.
Blame it partly on the harsh economy. But Nigerians are resilient and will survive. Some might find it difficult but the majority will. I also do a lot of counseling on phone, especially to those who have given up hope. We try to restore their hope and let them know that God has not given up on them. And we also have about 98 percent of these people believing and coming back to testify. There is hope.
Finally how is Hands-of-Love preparing to march into the New Year 2022.
We have a lot of activities lined up already. To benefit the less privileged. We are only calling for sponsorship and the year would be great for them again.
